Cleaning device and container containing a single dosage of cleaning material

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a cleaning device ( 1, 1 ′) especially for cleaning surfaces, as toilet bowls and the like, having a cleaning head ( 3, 3 ′) and a handle ( 2, 2 ″). The cleaning device further comprises delivering means operable, in use, to deliver a single dosage of cleaning material ( 17 ), preferably contained in a small container, into or next to the cleaning head ( 3, 3 ′) and to release the cleaning material ( 17 ) from the cleaning head ( 3, 3 ′). Thereby exactly the amount of cleaning material needed for the cleaning action is dispensed and distributed over the surface by the cleaning head, no overdosing occurs.

The present invention relates to a cleaning device according to claim 1, especially for cleaning containers with permanent water volume, as toilet bowls and the like. The invention further relates to a container containing a single dosage of cleaning material according to claim 11.

Cleaning a toilet bowl is typically one of the most undesirable jobs for most persons. Nevertheless, toilet bowls must be kept clean in order to prevent sanitary problems, the potential for irritable smells, and the possibility of harmful bacteria buildup.

Various types of bowl cleaning products are known. Such products typically fall within two categories, namely, cleaning by hand with a bowl cleaning device or with automatic “in tank” or “in bowl” cleaners. Automatic “in tank” or “in bowl” cleaners comprise cleaning material in the form of a slowly dissolving block or tablet or of a gel or liquid disposed under the rim of the toilet bowl or in the water container. These automatic cleaners dispense a dosage of cleaning material upon flushing of the toilet. However they are generally not as effective as manual scrubbing. Therefore most consumers typically supplement such automatic cleaners with hand scrubbing and cleaning.

Hand cleaning typically takes the form of a toilet cleaning brush or sponge. Most users apply a certain dosage of liquid cleaning material or cleaning powder, stored in a bottle or a container, to the surface of the toilet bowl. The right dosage has to be estimated by the user. Most people wanting a sufficient cleaning result tend to apply an overdose. This may cause foam development that can't be flushed in one go and more burden to the environment than necessary. Further, most bottles respectively containers do not allow dosing the cleaning material exactly, as their openings are often wide, dispensing the cleaning material in one splash. Some products have angled nozzles to reach under the rim of the toilet but these till result in a lot of the cleaning liquid running into the bowl water and not remaining in the area needed to be cleaned. Furthermore, cleaning powder kept in bottles or other containers tends to agglomerate in the humid bathroom atmosphere when the bottle is not closed properly. Further, though most containers have a safety cap the material contained is a danger to children who manage to open it.

Furthermore, regular toilet brushes tend to get dirty and attract germs. Soil can be forced into the brush where it remains. This means that the user has to periodically clean or replace the brush.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a cleaning device and a container for storing cleaning material, especially for cleaning toilet bowls and the like, which avoids the problems of the cleaning devices mentioned before and which especially facilitates dosing and safe storage of the cleaning material.

This object is achieved by a cleaning device according to claim 1 and a container containing a single dosage of cleaning material according to claim 11. The object is further achieved by the use of such a container or a material tablet to feed a single dosage of cleaning material to such a cleaning device. Beneficial embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

An inventive cleaning device comprising a cleaning head, a handle adapted to receive at least one single dosage of cleaning material and delivering means operable, in use, to deliver a single dosage of cleaning material into the cleaning head and to release the cleaning material from the cleaning head has the advantage that a well defined dosage of cleaning material is delivered directly to the cleaning head and is thereby dispensed directly at the surface which is to be cleaned. Further, no manual contact with the cleaning head is necessary. This ensures that the highest concentration of active material, i.e. the cleaning formulation or composition, is within bristles, a sponge, closed-cell phenolic foam or other medium acting as use surface for cleaning or scrubbing, and the material is then distributed from there respectively by them. Thereby the active material is used more efficient than when poured directly onto the surface, from where it is at least partially dissolved and flushed without being used for cleaning. Another advantage is that a well defined dosage of active material is applied to the surface, ensuring optimum cleaning action at minimum expenses and minimum release of substances burdening the environment. The dosage may be adjusted to the application, e.g. toilet bowl cleaning, by providing containers with a respective volume and/or concentration of active material. A further advantage is that the user does not need to handle the material itself. A single material dosage is preferably contained in a container or a tablet which is easy, safe and clean to handle. Even with liquid materials no spilling can occur as the active material is contained in a closed container and released from the cleaning head, without the user touching it directly. Another advantage is that with the cleaning formula coming from within the brush, it keeps the brush itself clean and prevents germ attraction.

The inventive device is preferably used for, but not restricted to cleaning surfaces of containers with a permanent water volume. Cleaning material is preferably inserted in the form of a material tablet or contained in a cartridge-like container, whose walls consist of water soluble material, preferably Polyvinylalcohol (PVA), which is preferably low-temperature dissolving. Water reaching the cleaning material contained in the device through openings in the cleaning head dissolves or disintegrates the active cleaning material and/or its container. A liquid, e.g. a solution, suspension or dispersion, containing cleaning material is then released through the same openings. In case the cleaning material is contained in a container, the container walls dissolve completely during the time normally required for a cleaning action such that, after cleaning the surface, the device is ready for the next use without the need for rinsing or cleaning it. In case a material tablet is used the features of the cleaning composition are chosen such that the tablet is completely decomposed under the influence of water during the typical cleaning time, e.g. 30 seconds. The cleaning material itself is not necessarily water soluble, but can for example contain abrasives.

In a preferred embodiment the handle comprises an at least partially hollow shaft extending to the cleaning head and forming a passage for insertion and delivery of the single dosage of cleaning material. Preferably, the handle further comprises a rod dimensioned to slide within the passage for pushing the single dosage of cleaning material into or next to the cleaning head. Thereby it is ensured that the single dosage of cleaning material can be inserted at or near the top end of the handle, respectively a portion of the device which is not in direct contact with the surface to clean, at a distance from the cleaning head. Thus the insertion area is clean and dry, and the inserted active material is delivered into the cleaning head without the need for manual handling or touching the device near the cleaning head. Preferably, the device further comprises a spring acting to push the rod to the bottom of the passage. The diameter of rod and passage are designed such that the passage fits tightly around the rod, while the rod is able to slide within the passage. Thereby water is prevented from entering an upper portion of the passage, thereby ensuring that the inside of the passage is dry, and a water soluble cartridge inserted into the passage does not get stuck in the passage. The rod can comprise a gasket to seal the passage respectively its upper part off from the wet inside of the cleaning head.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the cleaning device comprises a cutting edge, e.g. a spike, located in the device, preferably at a bottom end of the passage. This edge facilitates cutting or piercing a cartridge-like container inserted into the device, wherein the container contains the single dosage of cleaning material as powder or liquid detergent. This has the advantage that the container is pierced when pushed into the device, immediately releasing the cleaning material.

The inventive container or cartridge contains a single dosage of non-aqueous or anhydrous powder or liquid cleaning material and is made of a water soluble foil. Preferably, the water soluble foil consists of a Polyvinylalcohol (PVA) which is preferably low-temperature dissolving. PVA films supplied by the following suppliers can be used: Aquafilm ltd. (AQUAFILM), Environmental Polymers ltd. (EP POLY), Cris Craft Inc. (MONO-SOLO●). To fit into the inventive cleaning device with a passage having a circular cross section the container preferably has a cylindrical shape, preferably with a circular cross section. Cartridges like this are easy to manufacture from a sheet material or a flexible tube. Preferably sachets are constructed from a tube that is sealed at the ends, e.g. twisted or heat sealed. This methods results in no flanges around the edge, i.e. the surface in contact with the tube is free of excess PVA. The diameter of the cartridge ranges from 10 to 40 mm, preferably around 25 to 35 mm. The length of the cartridge ranges from 30 to 80 mm, preferably around 45 to 55 mm. The cartridge has an internal volume of approximately 1.5 to 43 cm³, preferably around 18 to 20 cm³. Alternatively, the cartridge is a small pouch containing active material or has spherical shape, as known for single dosage soap containers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a-d show a sectional view of an inventive cleaning device and steps of insertion of a container with cleaning material into the device;

FIG. 2 a shows a second inventive device in a first position for the insertion of a cartridge;

FIG. 2 b shows the second inventive device in a second position, e.g. for storing the device or for cleaning.

FIG. 1 a-d show an inventive cleaning device 1 in a sectional view. Four steps of the insertion of a container 15 with cleaning material 17 into the device 1 are depicted.

The inventive device 1 comprises a cleaning head 3 in the form of a brush with a plurality of bristles 9. It further comprises a handle 2 having a shaft 2′ whose bottom end 2 a comprises the bristles 9 and forms the cleaning head 3. The upper end 2 b of the shaft 2′ comprises a grip portion where the user can grip the handle 2 when cleaning.

The shaft is a hollow tube forming a cylindrical passage 4. The bottom end 5 of the passage 4 is closed. A cutting edge 10 is located at the bottom end 5 for piercing a cartridge-like container 15 inserted into the passage 4 and pushed down to the bottom end 5. A cylindrical rod 6 fits tightly into the passage 4 and is able to slide up and down. A user can move the rod 6 by moving a slider 13 which is connected to the rod 6 and moves along an axial slit opening 14 in the shaft 2′. A preferably weak spring 8 contained at the upper end 2 b of the shaft 2′ is compressed when the slider 13 respectively the rod 6 is pulled upward, as shown in FIG. 1 b. The spring 14 helps to push the rod downward when moving the slider 13 downward and to keep the rod in the downward position, as shown in FIGS. 1 a, 1 c and 1 d.

FIG. 1 a shows a cleaning device 1 without a container 15 with cleaning material 17 inserted, the rod 6 being in the downward position. When the rod 6 is in the upper position access to the bottom end 5 of the passage 4 can be gained via an introduction opening 12, which can be additionally closed by a door. Through this introduction opening 12 a container 15 with cleaning material 17 is inserted into the passage 4, as shown in FIG. 1 b. The cartridge 15 is then pushed down by the rod 6, as shown in FIG. 1 c. As it contacts an is pressed against the cutting edge 10, here a spike, the foil forming the container walls is pierced and the cleaning material 17, e.g. a powder, is released via outlet openings 16 in the walls of the bottom portion 2 a of the shaft, as shown in FIG. 1 d. The container itself is then dissolved by water entering the bottom end 5 of the passage 4 via the outlet openings 16. The empty cleaning device can then be reused for another cleaning action, i.e. inserting a new container, pushing it down, etc.

FIG. 2 a, b show a second inventive device 1′ in two positions. The device 1′ in a first “open” position for the insertion of a cartridge (not shown) is shown in FIG. 2 a; the device in a second “closed” position, e.g. for storing the device or for cleaning, is shown in FIG. 2 b.

The inventive device 1′, here for the use as toilet brush, comprises a handle 2″ and a cleaning head 3″ connected to or being an integral part of the handle 2″. The cleaning head has a plurality of bristles 9′ for scrubbing a toilet bowl and the like. The handle comprises a first member 19 and an elongate second member 20 which forms the major part of the handle. First and second member 19, 20 are movable with respect to each other by a bar 18 which is connected to the first member 19 an is able to slide within the second member 20 in its axial direction.

The second member comprises an insertion opening 12′ for the cleaning cartridge. The opening 12′ is open when the two members 19, 20 are at maximum distance from each other, as shown in FIG. 2 a. At least in the a region 21 extending from the opening 12′ to the cleaning head 3′ the second member 20 and the cleaning head 3′ are hollow, forming a passage 4′ extending from the opening to the bottom 5′ of the cleaning head 3′ for the insertion and delivery of cleaning material.

In the “open” position as shown in FIG. 2 a a cartridge can be inserted into the opening. It is then pushed down to the bottom 5′ of the passage 4′ by moving the first member 19 towards the second member 20. Via the bar 18 a rod 6′ which is connected to the bar or an integral part of the bar 18 is pushed into the passage, acting to push the cartridge down towards the cleaning head 3′. The rod 6′ closes the opening 12′ by fitting tightly into the passage 4′. In FIG. 2 b two members 19, 20 are snapped onto each other to facilitate handling the device. In use, water enters the cleaning head 3′ through openings 16′ which are disposed between the bristles 9′. Water then dissolves or disintegrates the cartridge with active material or a solid tablet of cleaning material contained inside the head 3′. Liquid containing active material is then released via the same openings 16′ directly to the place of application. 

1-15. (Cancelled)
 16. A cleaning device for cleaning surfaces, the device comprising a cleaning head and a handle wherein the handle is adapted to receive at least one single dosage of cleaning material and by delivering means operable to deliver a single dosage of the cleaning material into the cleaning head and to release the cleaning material from the cleaning head.
 17. Cleaning device according to claim 16, adapted to receive a single dosage of cleaning material enclosed in a container made of a water soluble material.
 18. Cleaning device according to claim 16, wherein the handle comprises a hollow shaft extending to the cleaning head forming a passage for insertion and delivery of the single dosage of cleaning material.
 19. Cleaning device according to claim 17, wherein the handle comprises a hollow shaft extending to the cleaning head forming a passage for insertion and delivery of the single dosage of cleaning material.
 20. Cleaning device according to claim 18, wherein the handle further comprises a rod dimensioned to slide within the passage for pushing the single dosage of cleaning material into or next to the cleaning head.
 21. Cleaning device according to claim 20, further comprising a spring acting to push the rod to the bottom of the passage.
 22. Cleaning device according to claim 20, wherein the length of the rod is about half the length of the shaft.
 23. Cleaning device according to claim 21, wherein the length of the rod is about half the length of the shaft.
 24. Cleaning device according to claim 18, further comprising a cutting edge located at a bottom end of the passage for cutting or piercing a container inserted into the passage, the container containing the single dosage of cleaning material.
 25. Cleaning device according to claim 18, wherein the shaft comprises an insertion opening for feeding the single dosage of cleaning material to the cleaning device, the insertion opening located half way between an upper end and a bottom end of the shaft.
 26. Cleaning device according to claim 25, wherein the insertion opening is located at the upper end of the shaft.
 27. Cleaning device according to claim 16, wherein the cleaning head comprises at least one outlet opening through which cleaning material can be released.
 28. Cleaning device according to claim 16, wherein the cleaning head comprises a plurality of bristles and a plurality of outlet openings between the bristles.
 29. A container comprising a single dosage of cleaning material, wherein the container is made of a water soluble foil and contains powder or liquid, non-aqueous material.
 30. Container according to claim 29, wherein the water soluble foil comprises a low-temperature dissolving polyvinylalcohol (PVA).
 31. Container according to claim 29, wherein the container has a cylindrical shape with a circular cross section.
 32. Container according to claim 30, wherein the container has a cylindrical shape with a circular cross section.
 33. A method of cleaning surfaces comprising feeding a container comprising a single dosage of a cleaning material to a cleaning device as claimed in claim
 16. 34. A method of cleaning surfaces comprising feeding tablet comprising a single dosage of a cleaning material to a cleaning device as claimed in claim
 16. 